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Of all the places to make its home, a very little and vulnerable bird species appears to be thriving at Jersey Airport.
One of the very few bird species allowed in the area, the skylark is permitted to nest around the airfield as its small size does not disturb any aviation services, unlike larger bird species.
Unfortunately, due to habitat loss, disturbance and changes in farming practices, the skylark – known for its unique and sustained birdsong – is in decline nationally.
However, Jersey's annual Skylark Survey is proving the bird's progression on the island, specifically around the airfield.
Pictured: The skylark is a red-listed bird species.
The survey, carriedout on behalf of the Ornithological section of the Société Jersiaise and the Jersey Biodiversity Centre, has taken place every June since 2006, when just 36 skylarks were logged.
This year the team identified 110 of the birds.
Ports of Jersey firefighters joinedthe survey team around the airfield to help with the important survey and conservation work.
Pictured: Fire fighter Nick Harvey (left) joined the survey team on the airfield.
Neil Harvey, from the Airport Fire Service, said: “The airfield grassland has become a favoured site for nesting and roosting skylarks in recent years, and is now Jersey’s primary habitat for the birds.
“We are pleased to be involved with the ongoing surveying and conservation of the Skylark in Jersey.”
The Ornithology Section of Société Jersiaise said: “We would like to express our thanks to Ports of Jersey, and especially to the Airport Fire Service, for organising this annual survey."
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